Antlions

These massive insects reside only in the desert of the Attohwa Chasm and are often found buried in the sand, waiting for their prey to unsuspectingly step into their trap. Tan in color, presumably an evolutionary attempt at camouflage, their bulk is anything but hidden when above ground.

In recent times, their jaws have become a crucial ingredient in arrows wanted by Rangers far and wide. Antlions are also often found to carry Scarlet Stones, the only known method for their acquisition.

Special Attacks

Pit Ambush - Extremely powerful, single-target attack. Used only by black Antlions (Pitlions), who are normally hidden under cracked ground and aggro using this move. Wipes Shadows. (Is not a TP ability)

Historical Background

Antlion are a real family of insects (Myrmeleontidae). They are known for their unique life cycle. While the adults are pollen and nectar feeders, the larvae feed on other insects, most notably ants. The adults are winged insects with dull brown & black bodies with a fly/moth-like head and clubbed antennae, but the larvae have a plump thorax and a very different head, very ant-like, with very large mandibles. The scary-looking larvae reside in sandy soils and dig up a cone-shaped sand pit, where they lay in wait at the bottom, hidden beneath the sand. The gradient is steep and the soil texture consists of very loose particles, making it precarious for any creature that tries to climb out of it (it's easy to lose footing and fall back to the bottom of the pit). The antlion ambushes anything that falls into its pit. They do not consume the prey. They suck the vital fluids out of it with their mandibles, which are hollow. Once finished, they toss the husk out of the pit and set up the trap again. They exist across Europe and Asia (not just in deserts, but anywhere sandy soil can be found).

The monster design for the Antlions in the original, 8-bit version of Final Fantasy II closely resembles the actual appearance of Antlions.

It should be noted, in Medieval bestiaries, a creature called the Mermecolion appeared. Its name meant "ant-lion", only it was an ant with the head of a lion.